ACT Score Comparison for Admission to Iowa Colleges

The table below can help you figure out which Iowa colleges and universities are a good match for your ACT scores. Admissions standards vary widely from highly selective colleges to schools that accept the great majority of applicants. The side-by-side comparison chart below shows ACT scores for the middle 50% of enrolled students.

Iowa Colleges ACT Score Comparison (mid 50%)

(Learn what these numbers mean)

* Most data from the National Center for Educational Statistics

If your scores fall within or above these ranges, you're on target for admission. Keep in mind that 25% of enrolled students have scores below those listed; if your scores are low, don't give up! In some cases, it's possible to retake the exam, and then resubmit your scores to the schools you are applying to.

Remember that ACT scores are just one part of the application. The admissions officers at Iowa's more selective colleges will also want to see a strong academic record, a winning essay, meaningful extracurricular activities and good letters of recommendation. Some students with a strong application (but low scores) are sometime admitted to these schools; some students with a weak application (but higher scores) are not accepted. 

Click on the schools' names in the table above to visit a comprehensive and helpful profile.

To learn more about the ACT needed for different types of schools, check out these articles:

ACT Comparison Charts: the Ivy League | top universities | top liberal arts colleges | more top liberal arts | top public universities | top public liberal arts colleges | University of California campuses | Cal State campuses | SUNY campuses | More ACT charts

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